Artist highlight: behind the lens with Abby DeRango

Abby DeRango is a North Central sophomore, majoring in graphic design, who brings her reality to life as she sees it through the lens of her camera. Each of her pieces leaves you wondering what the story is, making it much more than just a photo. Aside from taking photographs, she is also skilled in Photoshop to help make her photos match her surrealistic style.

Emily Arias: How long have you been interested in photography?

Abby DeRango: “I’ve been taking photos since I was 13. I kinda just picked up a camera because my mom had a fancy camera, so I thought it was fun and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

EA: What is your artistic process like?

AD: “It depends on the idea. Sometimes the ideas just come to me, like when I get an inspiration and want to shoot it, some other times I’ll shoot a photo and edit it over a span of weeks. It’s a creative outlet for me if I ever need a break.”

EA: What is your favorite piece you’ve done?

AD: “The one titled ‘In Loving Memory’ (hands in the picture frame), and it’s my favorite because I created it in honor of my best friend who lost his battle to cancer when we were 13. Every time I look at it I’m reminded of him and I love that I was able to use something I’m passionate about to embody my love for him and his impact on my life. It makes me smile every time I see it.”

EA: What are your biggest artistic goals for this year?

AD: “I haven’t been able to shoot as much as I’ve liked lately, but I’m taking a photography class this term, so my goal for this year is to shoot more regularly.”

EA: Who are your greatest artistic inspirations?

AD: “My mentor Nancy, she’s been doing photography and teaching classes for 40 years. Also, there is a photographer online, her name is Lissy Larrichia, and she does the kind of surrealist art that I like. She does her pieces, sells them and donates the money to charities.